Iowa River, Upper Fishing
Mower County and Fillmore County.
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The short version on the Iowa River, Upper
The Iowa River, Upper is a Minnesota river with its course in Mower County and Fillmore County. About 148 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Mabel is the closest Census city, roughly 15 miles away.
Launching on the Iowa River, Upper
The Iowa River, Upper has no mapped launch, so access is on foot.
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Iowa River, Upper
The DNR posts no rule for the Iowa River, Upper by name.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Minnesota towns closest to Iowa River, Upper
- Mabel15 miles
- Canton17 miles
- Spring Grove20 miles
- Harmony20 miles
Rivers one stop past the Iowa River, Upper
- Wisel Creek20 miles
- Riceford Creek21 miles
- Camp Creek26 miles
- Willow Creek26 miles
Iowa River, Upper, county lines
Piscifun gear suited to the Iowa River, Upper
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Handy answers on the Iowa River, Upper
Through which counties does the Iowa River, Upper run?
Look in Mower County and Fillmore County.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Iowa River, Upper?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Iowa River, Upper discharge today?
No USGS gauge reports for it.
Is there a boat launch on the Iowa River, Upper?
No access record names it.
Are there bait limits on the Iowa River, Upper?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Iowa River, Upper?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Is there a bait and tackle stop near the Iowa River, Upper?
None within 25 miles.
Which town sits near the Iowa River, Upper?
The closest Census city is Mabel (15 miles).
Which fish can I hook in the Iowa River, Upper?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the Iowa River, Upper
Limits and flow are on this page.